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IMDbPro

Kabali

  • 2016
  • Not Rated
  • 2h 33m
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
15K
YOUR RATING
Rajinikanth in Kabali (2016)
Trailer for Kabali
Play trailer1:09
10 Videos
34 Photos
GangsterOne-Person Army ActionActionCrimeDrama

A reformed gangster is released from prison and attempts to protect his family from his enemies.A reformed gangster is released from prison and attempts to protect his family from his enemies.A reformed gangster is released from prison and attempts to protect his family from his enemies.

  • Director
    • Pa. Ranjith
  • Writers
    • Mohan Nair
    • Pa. Ranjith
  • Stars
    • Rajinikanth
    • Winston Chao
    • Radhika Apte
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.1/10
    15K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Pa. Ranjith
    • Writers
      • Mohan Nair
      • Pa. Ranjith
    • Stars
      • Rajinikanth
      • Winston Chao
      • Radhika Apte
    • 130User reviews
    • 27Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 6 nominations total

    Videos10

    Kabali
    Trailer 1:09
    Kabali
    kabali teaser
    Trailer 1:08
    kabali teaser
    kabali teaser
    Trailer 1:08
    kabali teaser
    Kabali Hindi Sneak Peek
    Clip 1:52
    Kabali Hindi Sneak Peek
    Kabali Hindi Teaser
    Clip 1:08
    Kabali Hindi Teaser
    Kabali Telugu Teaser
    Clip 1:08
    Kabali Telugu Teaser
    Kabali Teaser
    Clip 0:11
    Kabali Teaser

    Photos33

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    + 27
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    Top cast49

    Edit
    Rajinikanth
    Rajinikanth
    • Kabali
    • (as Super Star Rajni)
    Winston Chao
    Winston Chao
    • Tony Lee
    Radhika Apte
    Radhika Apte
    • Kumudhavalli
    Dhansika
    Dhansika
    • Yogi
    Kalaiyarasan
    Kalaiyarasan
    • Kumaran
    Dinesh
    Dinesh
    • Jeeva
    John Vijay
    John Vijay
    • Ameer Bhai
    Kishore Kumar G.
    Kishore Kumar G.
    • Veerasekaran
    Riythvika Panneerselvam
    Riythvika Panneerselvam
    • Meena
    • (as Riythvika)
    Mime Gopi
    Mime Gopi
    • Loga
    Hari Krishnan
    • Tiger
    • (as Hari)
    Nassar
    Nassar
    • Tamilnesan
    • (as Nasser)
    Udhayabanu Maheshwaran
    Udhayabanu Maheshwaran
    • Durai
    • (as Uday Mahesh)
    Gajaraj
    Gajaraj
    • Marthandam
    Vinoth
    • Tamilmaaran
    Nandakumar
    • Anbu
    Sampath Ram
    • Sampath
    Sangili Murugan
    Sangili Murugan
    • Palace Owner
    • Director
      • Pa. Ranjith
    • Writers
      • Mohan Nair
      • Pa. Ranjith
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews130

    6.115.1K
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    Featured reviews

    7suhassuriya

    Kabali – show on more emotional side of a don

    Kabali – show on more emotional side of a don

    When we come to hear rajini movie is going to release, we start imagining a stereotyped rajinism in his movie!Its true.. which is been happening from last 3 decades! In kabali PA.Ranjith has tried hard to change this stereotyped rajini movie into a non-rajini movie.In this journey has he succeeded? Coming to the story of kabali..it does have a water thin story line with lots of depth . Rajini sir acting is one of the major plus point of the movie, his simplicity, mannerism and stand back in few scenes n giving opportunity to other actors r worthwhile to mention. Radhika apte ,kalaiyarasan,john vijay,dhansika,dinesh,rithvika are apt to their respective roles.

    Antagonists Winston chao,Kishore are perfect n need to mention here Kishore acting was appreciable throughout the movie. Coming to music Santhosh Narayan has marvellous talent n is proved with his songs and BGM in the whole movie which indeed takes this movie to another level! PA.Ranjith should have made little more concentration on the screenplay and a bit on rajinism to satisfy rajini fans.Though movie may not offer rajinism at the whole,one can keep a little less expectation and enjoy this wonderful emotional life of kabaleeshwaran AKA kabali.
    7ravi-mudgil1996

    Its rajnikant

    When a Rajinikanth movie releases, we all go thronging up with more fascinations and exhilarations to see Thalaivar performing the mass acts. But before watching Kabali, there were clear assumptions that it is going to be a class movie more than mass. This was my expectation while going to the theatres and the result is that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Till the interval, though long, it's very fast paced with a great story or anything. But after interval, we are in for a serious and emotional drama, where Pa. Ranjith comes to the fore. The drama gets emotionally gripping and, at times, heart-churning. Heroine Radhika Apte and Riythvika deliver excellent performance. Sai Dhansikaa is seen in a suave and stylish role, which caters to action lovers. Sai Dhansikaa performed action sequences. Women may even begin to style themselves like Dhansikaa. The female roles are hugely powerful like male characters.

    Rajinikanth strikes awe in every frame with his majestic screen presence. Santhosh Narayanan's equally fiery and blazing instrument- wielding prowess gives Neruppuda Rajinikanth the perfect pedestal for us to admire what he is!

    The climax is positive, though thankfully not linear, and predictability has been avoided. It feels that the pre-climax scene suffices but Pa Ranjith is a director, who aspires to be a director of class. So, he has that ambiguous climax, which can give rise to a sequel, if Kabali is well-received. Kabali story treatment is extraordinary. Kabali is sure to be a all time blockbuster but we should wait and see how well it is received, especially to see if the ambiguous climax will be well-received!
    6afsalthodupuzha

    "A Below Average Gangster Thriller That's Bound To Receive Negative Response Due To Mammoth Expectations "

    'Kabali' turned out to be a phenomenon across the globe prior to its release,being the most hyped film from India in recent times featuring Thalaivar Rajnikanth in a gangster avatar that was expected to be a treat for the fans of the veteran superstar in particular with sequences reminding his yesteryear blockbusters.The movie reached theaters amidst sky-high expectations in a massive count of 300 screens across Kerala,thanks to the combined effort from S.Thanu and Ashirwad Cinemas.

    If someone ask me a one word review for the movie,my immediate answer will be 'Disappointing'.Nothing surprising as the scenario isn't new to Kollywood where the major share of well-anticipated movies,particularly in this decade has failed to generate a satisfactory response from the common audience and the critics alike.In simple words,the mass hype generated was too much for a half-baked emotional thriller like Kabali that moves in a lethargic pace for the most part of the narration.

    Pa.Ranjith has made a mark on the Kollywood industry with his two odd films Attakathi and Madras that were utterly realistic and easily expected in the list of personal favorites of anyone who is seriously into Tamil movies.Kabali being helmed by Ranjith,there were clear assumptions from a major section that its going to be a realistic,slow-paced thriller rather than an out and out Rajnikanth film like Shankar's Sivaji or K.S Ravikumar's Padayappa.

    The movie gave me a feeling that Thalaivar Rajnikanth was casted in a role that had shades of typical Ulaganayagan Kamal Hassan portrayals,particularly coming to the emotional sequences.The goose-bump sequences were minimal and elevated only by the grace and dialogue delivery of the superstar.

    The pace was really an issue leaving side the initial sequences and choked a smooth narrative.The lack of logic in the screenplay was evident and turned a hiccup in multiple junctures in the clichéd storyline.The flashback sequences were comapritively realistic and presented well by Ranjith.

    The climax turned unintentionally funny due to poor execution and could have dealt much better..The action sequences too were a mixed bag,with two fights being well-choreographed and two,especially the climax fight being a big letback.

    Rajni movies are always known for repeated audience and cherishable mass sequences,but Kabali fails in this part too as there were only a hand full or even less number of memorable sequences that will stay in the minds once we are out of the cinema hall. There were rumors about a superstar making surprise cameo in the movie but didn't materialize.

    None would point-out a single film where Rajnikanth failed to impress with his style and acting prowess and this time too the 66 year old actor has managed to pull off a really impressive performance as Kabaleeswaran,the good-hearted gangster.Another pick among the cast was Dhansika playing the role of a hit-girl giving out a refreshing performance.Radhika Apte was well-cast as the lead heroine,but couldn't deliver a standout performance as expected.Attakathi Dinesh's character was peculiar and made its presence felt ,the same time giving him a break from his usual village-oriented roles.The rest of the cast that includes Kishore,John Vijay etc did their part well.Taiwaneese actor Winsyon Chao failed to enact a menacing villain.

    The songs and background score by Ranjiths favorite Santhosh Narayanan were adequate as far as the narration is concerned,but couldn't make much impact except for the 'Nerrupu Da' bit that created a huge buzz before the release.There were good number of interesting slow motion sequences by G.Murali who did his job well the camera.Cuts by Praveen K.L could have been better.

    In all means,Kabali is an opportunity wasted by Pa.Ranjith who failed to utilize the charisma of the veteran actor to the fullest.Better less said about a thriller where the so called 'thrills' take a backseat.Give it a miss or watch it just for Superstar Rajnjikanth and his evergreen style of acting.
    7RosanaBotafogo

    I Liked...

    I liked, by far, not the best of the Indians, but the joint production with Malaysia yielded a good film, some uncomfortable and artificial situations, almost vexatious, but it involves and captivates us ...
    10lokeshdayal-90308

    Its a very nice family movie. I suggest people to watch the movie and come to a conclusion.

    It is a very nice movie with limited songs and almost zero dance, Which is something special about this movie.

    Rajini lovers please watch the movie and please notice his dressing style. Its Awesome!!!

    Makeup Artist has done a great job.

    Dunno why people said its draggy, which I totally dint feel.

    Watch the movie and come to a conclusion, don't listen to what people say( Includes my opinion too).

    Please do not read reviews and go with the same expectation because people have different tastes.

    I personally liked every bit of it.

    Overall a nice move. Will not disappoint fans.

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    Related interests

    Marlon Brando and Salvatore Corsitto in The Godfather (1972)
    Gangster
    Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
    One-Person Army Action
    Bruce Willis in Die Hard (1988)
    Action
    James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)
    Crime
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Kabali is the first ever Indian film to be released in Malay language. Rajnikanth has a wide fanbase in Malaysia.
    • Goofs
      In the flashback scene,Tamilmaran comes to apologise to Kabali while he is eating with family, the scene is set at the backdrop of Merdeka Square, the scene is supposed to have happened 25 years back but modern buildings which was not yet constructed in KL can be seen.

      Also in various other scenes, various cars which were not released in early 90's can be still be seen,.
    • Quotes

      Kabali: Even this is a form of protest. Why did Gandhi wear dhotis and why did Ambedkar wear suits? Politics Thamizhmaran...

      [when Thamizhmaran asks him if all his money goes into buying suits]

    • Alternate versions
      In Malaysia, the film was initially given a 18 classification due to violence but after undergoing cuts, the film was revised to P13 rating for theatrical release.
    • Connections
      Featured in Dil Bechara (2020)
    • Soundtracks
      Ulagam Oruvanukka
      (Tamil)

      written by Kabilan, Viveka and Roshan Jamrock

      Produced by: Santhosh Narayanan

      performed by Ananthu, Santhosh Narayanan, Gaana Bala and Roshan Jamrock

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    FAQ17

    • How long is Kabali?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 22, 2016 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • India
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official Teaser
    • Language
      • Tamil
    • Also known as
      • Кабали
    • Filming locations
      • Malaysia
    • Production companies
      • Oveyen Studio
      • V. Creations
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • ₹1,250,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $3,903,095
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $2,157,621
      • Jul 24, 2016
    • Gross worldwide
      • $4,388,789
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h 33m(153 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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